By Charles Mkoka
Tanzania aims to increase domestic pharmaceutical production from less than 10% of national demand to between 60% and 65% by 2030, with a longer-term ambition of reaching 80% by 2050.
The government’s strategy, which forms part of President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s broader industrial and health security agenda, seeks to reduce reliance on imported medicines, medical supplies, and vaccines.
“This is a strategic government decision to ensure Tanzania becomes self-reliant in the production of medicines, medical equipment, and vaccines,” Mchengerwa said. “After more than 60 years of independence, the remaining independence we must fight for is the freedom to produce our own medicines.”
Central to the plan is the development of a pharmaceutical manufacturing hub at Mloganzira, on the outskirts of Dar es Salaam, where the government is establishing a large industrial zone alongside a modern research and quality-control laboratory.
Mchengerwa said the government has committed approximately $10 million to construct a state-of-the-art laboratory to support pharmaceutical research, product testing, and regulatory compliance. The facility will serve both public and private manufacturers.
“Tanzania currently produces less than 10% of its medicines. This level of dependence on imports is dangerous for national health security, especially during global crises such as pandemics,” he added.
The Mloganzira hub has attracted significant international interest, with more than 27 countries committing investment and over 40 investors from Europe, Asia, the United Arab Emirates, and Africa already beginning implementation, according to the ministry.
A multi-ministerial coordination mechanism has also been established to resolve challenges related to electricity, water, gas supply, and regulatory approvals.
“We recognise that investors have often faced frustration due to delays across institutions,” Mchengerwa said. “That will no longer be the case. This is a presidential directive, embedded in our five-year development plan and our Vision 2050.”
Tanzania is also moving to formally integrate traditional medicine into the national health system.
Officials say more than 70,000 traditional healers have been officially registered, and the country aims to incorporate traditional medicine within its formal healthcare framework by 2050, in line with World Health Organization guidelines.
The policy shift is expected to generate substantial foreign exchange savings by reducing imports of medicines, medical supplies, and vaccines, though the total financial impact has not yet been quantified.
In recent weeks, Mchengerwa has intensified engagement with international partners. He recently urged Chinese pharmaceutical investors to expand manufacturing operations in Tanzania, citing the country’s growing market, improving infrastructure, and strong political commitment to health industrialisation.
In December, the minister also launched new pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities and signed cooperation agreements with international partners, reinforcing the government’s push to position Tanzania as a regional hub for medicine and vaccine production.
Government officials say the strategy is designed not only to strengthen national health security but also to create jobs, transfer technology, and boost Tanzania’s industrial base.
“This is not just about medicine,” Mchengerwa said. “It is about protecting the lives of Tanzanians and safeguarding the sovereignty of our nation.”